Water detection assembly

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a water detection device that includes a water-activated battery configured to switch from a dormant condition to an active condition upon contact with water, such that the water-activated battery supplies an electrical voltage upon contact with the water, an electronic circuit configured to receive the electrical voltage from the water-activated battery, where the electronic circuit is configured to communicate with an external, electronic device via one or more wireless communication techniques when the electronic circuit is powered by the electrical voltage, and where communication between the electronic circuit and the external, electronic device is an uninterrupted communication when the electronic circuit is receiving the electrical voltage from the water-activated battery, and a housing configured to receive the water-activated battery and the electronic circuit, where the housing has passageways configured to facilitate movement of the water into the housing and toward the battery.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/636,270, entitled “WATER DETECTION ASSEMBLY,” filed Jun. 28, 2017,which claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/355,732, entitled “WATER DETECTION SENSOR WITH AWATER ACTIVATED BATTERY,” filed Jun. 28, 2016, U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/401,522, entitled “WATER DETECTION SENSOR WITH AWATER ACTIVATED BATTERY,” filed Sep. 29, 2016, and U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/461,653, entitled “WATER DETECTION ASSEMBLY,”filed Feb. 21, 2017, which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a water detection device.

Water damage leads to common claims on property insurance policies.Early detection of water leaks can substantially lessen the severity ofwater damage. However, leaks often occur in pipes that are hidden behindwalls or in cracks in foundations or other fluid pathways that are notreadily observable. When the leaks are eventually observed, significantdamage may have occurred. It is therefore desirable to place waterdetection devices in locations where leaks may occur to provide warningto designated people of a detection event so they can take correctiveaction immediately or to signal another device to take correctiveaction, such as shutting a water supply valve.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a water detection device that includesa water-activated battery configured to switch from a dormant conditionto an active condition upon contact with water, such that thewater-activated battery supplies an electrical voltage upon contact withthe water, an electronic circuit configured to receive the electricalvoltage from the water-activated battery, where the electronic circuitis configured to communicate with an external, electronic device via oneor more wireless communication techniques when the electronic circuit ispowered by the electrical voltage, and where communication between theelectronic circuit and the external, electronic device is anuninterrupted communication when the electronic circuit is receiving theelectrical voltage from the water-activated battery, and a housingconfigured to receive the water-activated battery and the electroniccircuit, where the housing has passageways configured to facilitatemovement of the water into the housing and toward the battery.

The present disclosure further relates to a water detection device thatincludes a water-activated battery to switch from a dormant condition toan active condition upon contact with water, such that thewater-activated batter supplies an electrical voltage upon contact withthe water, an electronic circuit configured to receive the electricalvoltage from the water-activated battery, where the electronic circuitis configured to communicate with an external, electronic device via oneor more wireless communication techniques when the electronic circuit ispowered by the electrical voltage, and where communication between theelectronic circuit and the external, electronic device is anuninterrupted communication when the electronic circuit is receiving theelectrical voltage from the water-activated battery, an additionalbattery configured to periodically supply an additional electricalvoltage to the electronic circuit, such that communication between theelectronic circuit and the external electronic device is intermittentwhen the water-activated battery is in the dormant condition, and ahousing configured to receive the water-activated battery, theelectronic circuit, and the additional battery, where the housingincludes passageways configured to facilitate movement of the water intothe housing and toward the battery.

The present disclosure further relates to a method that includes sendingintermittent communications between an electronic circuit of a detectiondevice and an external, electronic device when a water-activated batteryelectrically coupled to the electronic circuit is in a dormantcondition, activating the water-activated battery to switch from thedormant condition to an active condition upon exposure of thewater-activated battery to water, supplying an electrical voltage fromthe water-activated power source to the electronic circuit when thewater-activated battery is in the active condition, and sendinguninterrupted communications between the electronic circuit and theexternal, electronic device when the water-activated battery is in theactive condition.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of an embodiment of a water detection device thatmay be utilized to detect a presence of a fluid, in accordance with anaspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic of an embodiment of an overall network that thewater detection device of FIG. 1 may utilize to communicate with variouselectronic devices, in accordance with an aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a housing that formsand may receive one or more components of the water detection device ofFIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the housing of FIG. 3that forms and may receive one or more components of the water detectiondevice of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 is an expanded, perspective view of fluid passageways that may beincluded on an outer surface of the housing of FIGS. 3 and 4, inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a component housingthat may be configured to be disposed within the housing of FIGS. 3 and4, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the component housingof FIG. 6 that may be configured to be disposed within the housing ofFIGS. 3 and 4, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the component housingof FIG. 6 that may be configured to be disposed within the housing ofFIGS. 3 and 4, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of an embodiment of the component housing of FIG.6 that shows a shape of a handle, in accordance with an aspect of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a schematic of an embodiment of a first user interface on anelectronic device that may be utilized with the water detection deviceof FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a schematic of an embodiment of a second user interface on anelectronic device that may be utilized with the water detection deviceof FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a schematic of an embodiment of a third user interface on anelectronic device that may be utilized with the water detection deviceof FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a schematic of an embodiment of a fourth user interface on anelectronic device that may be utilized with the water detection deviceof FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a schematic of an embodiment of a fifth user interface on anelectronic device that may be utilized with the water detection deviceof FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a process that may beutilized to establish a detection event using the water detection deviceof FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are describedabove. In an effort to provide a concise description of theseembodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not bedescribed in the specification. It should be appreciated that in thedevelopment of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering ordesign project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be madeto achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance withsystem-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from oneimplementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that sucha development effort might be complex and time consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, andmanufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

Present embodiments are generally directed toward a water detectiondevice (e.g., a water detection assembly) that may be utilized tomonitor the presence of water (e.g., leaks, floods, etc.) in apredetermined location, such as a home (e.g., under the sink, in thewalls, in the attic, near toilets, near washing machines, neardishwashers, near water heaters, among other locations), a car, acommercial building, and/or other suitable locations. The waterdetection device may be modular in that certain components (e.g., acommunication module, a control feature, a battery, and/or acommunication beacon) may be inserted and/or removed from a housing tofacilitate replacement of components and/or to facilitate programming ofvarious features of the water detection device.

In some cases, the water detection device may include a water activatedbattery that generates an electrical voltage upon exposure to water. Thewater detection device may thus be in a dormant condition (e.g., nosignals are sent or received) until water is present in a sufficientamount to activate the battery. The housing of the water detectiondevice may include physical features (e.g., fluid passageways) that maydirect water toward the water activated battery, such as capillariesand/or channels that enable water to flow along a target path into thehousing and toward the battery. Further, the housing may include awater-soluble coating that may dissolve upon exposure to a predeterminedamount of water. Therefore, components in the water detection devicehousing may be shielded from humidity and/or other contaminants until asufficient amount of water is present to dissolve the coating andactivate the battery.

The water detection device may include the communication beacon whichmay be configured to communicate with an external electronic device(e.g., a server, the Internet, a computer, a mobile phone, a tablet,etc.) when the battery is activated. For example, upon exposure towater, the battery may be activated and thus supply electronic voltageto the communication beacon, which may then communicate with theexternal electronic device to notify a user of a detection event (e.g.,a leak, a flood, or another event). In some embodiments, thecommunication beacon may be in communication with the electronic devicevia software on the electronic device that may be utilized with thewater detection device. For instance, the software may be an applicationon an electronic device (e.g., mobile phone, tablet, computer, oranother suitable electronic device) that may be linked (e.g., pairedand/or coupled) to the water detection device. The software may enablethe user to monitor and manage multiple water detection devices that maybe positioned in various locations within a structure (e.g., a home, acommercial building, and/or a vehicle). In any case, the software mayalert the user of a detection event when a respective water detectiondevice is activated upon exposure to water.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic of a water detectiondevice 10 (e.g., a water detection assembly) that includes a battery 12(e.g., a dormant, water-activated battery), an electronic circuit 14(e.g., a processor and/or other circuitry that may be included in acommunication beacon), and memory 16 (e.g., also included in thecommunication beacon). The battery 12, the electronic circuit 14, and/orthe memory 16 may be electronically connected together using solder, awire, a bus 18, or another suitable technique. Additionally, the battery12, electronic circuit 14, and/or the memory 16 may be physicallycoupled to one another by a connector 20 (e.g., a circuit board). Insome embodiments, the battery 12, the electronic circuit 14, and/or thememory 16 may be disposed in a common housing (see e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4).Further, the battery 12, the electronic circuit 14, and/or the memory 16may be modular in design, such that the battery 12, the electroniccircuit 14, and/or the memory 16 may be connected, disconnected, andreconnected to one another as desired (e.g., via the housing). The waterdetection device 10 may also be within communication range of anelectronic network 22 (e.g., a server, the Internet, etc.). The network22 may include a processor 23 and/or memory 24 that may be configured tostore instructions that the processor 23 executes. In some embodiments,the water detection device 10 may be configured to communicate withelectronic devices (e.g., a computer, a tablet, a mobile phone, oranother suitable electronic device), and thus, send and receiveinformation to and from such devices.

In some embodiments, the battery 12 may be water-activated. Therefore,before exposure to water, the battery 12 may be in a dormant condition,such that no signal is transferred to or received from the electronicnetwork 22 by the water detection device 10. However, when the waterdetection device 10 is exposed to water, the water detection device 10may be activated to an active condition, such that the water detectiondevice 10 transmits a signal 26 to the network 22 (e.g., via theelectronic circuit 14), and ultimately to an electronic device 30 of auser. In some embodiments, the water detection device 10 may communicatedirectly with the electronic device 30 (e.g., via a Bluetooth feature ofthe water detection device 10).

The battery 12 (e.g., a water-activated battery) may be capable ofremaining dormant for a significant period of time before generatingelectrical voltage that ultimately supplies power to the electroniccircuit 14 and/or the memory 16. Further, in some embodiments, thebattery 12 may be dormant for the significant period of time and producesufficient electrical voltage to power the electronic circuit 14 and/orthe memory 16 without charging from a power source. As discussed above,the battery 12 may be water activated, such that the battery 12 remainsdormant (e.g., incapable of generating a voltage) until exposed towater, when the battery 12 may then generate the electrical voltage topower the electronic circuit 14 and/or the memory 16. For example, thebattery 12 may include a dry material that initiates a chemical reactionwhen exposed to water. The chemical reaction may then generate theelectrical voltage, which may be supplied to the electronic circuit 14and/or the memory 16 via the bus 18. Suitable dry materials for an anodeof the battery 12 include, but are not limited to, magnesium (e.g.,magnesium AZ61A, magnesium AZ31B, magnesium AP65 and magnesium MTA75),aluminum, zinc, lead, thallium, manganese, silicon, iron, calcium,nickel, copper, and/or a combination thereof.

Further, the battery 12 may include a cathode and an anode, which mayfacilitate the chemical reaction. In some embodiments, the cathode mayinclude a depolarizer (e.g., sulfur, additive, binder, wax, acombination thereof, or other suitable materials) and a currentcollector (e.g., silver chloride, cuprous iodide, cuprous thiocyanate,lead chloride, cuprous chloride, or combinations thereof). The battery12 may also include separators (e.g., nonconductive spacers) placedbetween the anode and the cathode to form a space for free ingress ofelectrolytes and egress of corrosion products. Separators can come inthe form of disks, rods, glass beads, and woven fabrics. Dunk-typebatteries may utilize a nonwoven, absorbent, nonconductive material toboth separate the electrodes and absorb the electrolyte. Further, thebattery 12 may include a wicking material between one or more of theanode, the cathode, and/or the separators. The wicking material mayenhance the ability of the battery 12 to activate upon exposure of waterby directing the water to areas of the battery 12 that trigger thechemical reaction, such that the electrical voltage may be generated andsupplied to the electrical circuit 14 and/or the memory 16.

In some embodiments, the battery 12 may include one or more cells thateach include the cathode, the anode, and/or the separators. For example,the battery may include four cells that are spaced apart from oneanother at a predetermined distance. In other embodiments, the battery12 may include less than four cells (e.g., three, two, or one cell) ormore than four cells (e.g., five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or morecells). Further, in some cases, an efficiency of the battery 12 may bebased on the spacing between the cells. For example, cells of thebattery 12 may release heat and/or chemicals that may affect theoperation of other cells in the battery 12. Accordingly, spacing thecells at a distance that reduces an amount of heat transferred betweencells, but also reduces a size of the battery 12 may be predetermined tomaximize an efficiency of the battery 12. In some embodiments, the cellsof the battery 12 may include various materials, which may also effectan efficiency of the battery 12. For example, the cells of the battery12 may include magnesium oxide, carbon acetate, copper, and/or anothersuitable material that may be configured to generate an electricalvoltage upon exposure to water. In some cases, water may trigger achemical reaction in the cells of the battery 12, which may cause acircuit in the battery 12 to close, thereby enabling electrical voltageto flow to an outlet (e.g., a portion electrically coupled to theelectronic circuit 14 and/or the memory 16) of the battery 12. Incertain embodiments, the battery may be activated when exposed tobetween 0.1 milliliters (mL) and 5 mL of water, between 0.5 mL and 3 mLof water, between 1 mL and 2 mL of water, or approximately (e.g., within5% of or within 10% of) 1.5 mL of water.

In some embodiments, the water detection device 10 may include anadditional battery 32 (e.g., a test battery) that may be separate fromthe battery 12. The additional battery 32 may not be water-activated andmay be continuously in an active condition (e.g., configured to providean electrical voltage). The additional battery 32 may then be used totest a condition of the electronic circuit 14 and/or the memory 16 bysupplying the electrical voltage to the electronic circuit 14 and/or thememory 16 and determining whether such components are operatingproperly. In some embodiments, the additional battery 32 may enable theelectronic circuit 14 to provide intermittent signals to the electronicdevice 30. For example, the additional battery 32 may periodicallyprovide an electrical voltage to the electronic circuit 14, such thatthe electronic circuit 14 may perform a self-diagnosis and communicatewith the electronic device 30 and/or the network 22. When the battery 12activates (e.g., water contacts the battery 12), the electronic circuitmay then provide a continuous signal and/or communication with theelectronic device 30 and/or the network 22. For example, theintermittent signals may become so frequent that the signal and/orcommunication seems continuous or the continuous signal mayoverride/overlay the intermittent signals. In still further embodiments,the additional battery 32 may be configured to receive electrical chargewirelessly through a radio frequency (RF) device (e.g., an interrogatordevice that emits an electrical field toward an indicator to detect acharacteristic of a component). For example, the electronic circuit 14may be associated with an RF tag that may provide the RF device withinformation associated with the electronic circuit 14 (e.g., a status ofthe electronic circuit, a condition of the electronic circuit, and/or afunction in which the electronic circuit performs). Thus, when the RFdevice emits the electrical field, the additional battery may absorbelectrical energy and charge itself.

Further, the water detection device 10 may include a temperature sensor34 and/or a chemical sensor 36. In some embodiments, the temperaturesensor 34 may also be utilized to determine a presence of water. Forexample, the temperature in the environment surrounding the waterdetection device 10 may rapidly decrease upon exposure to a significantamount of water. Thus, the temperature sensor 34 may provide aconfirmation that the water detection device 10 is operating properly.Additionally, the chemical sensor 36 may be utilized to monitorcharacteristics of the water when the water detection device 10 isexposed to water. In some cases, it may be desirable to determinewhether any contaminants are present in the water upon detection of thewater. For example, the water detection device 10 may be located in theinterior of a structure that stores chemicals. Upon a flood event, itmay be desirable to determine what chemicals may be present within thewater to determine what procedures, if any, should be followed tosubsequently eliminate such chemicals.

While the battery 12, the temperature sensor 34, and/or the chemicalsensor 36 may be exposed to water upon a water detection event, theelectronic circuit 14 and/or the memory 16 may be included in a separatehousing (e.g., beacon) that seals such components from the water and/orother substances. As such, when the water enters the housing of thewater detection device 10, the battery 12 may generate the electricalvoltage that supplies power to the electronic circuit 14 and/or thememory 16, but the water may be blocked from contacting the electroniccircuit 14 and/or the memory 16. Therefore, the electronic circuit 14and/or the memory 16 may be utilized for multiple water detection eventswithout degrading and/or otherwise incurring damage. However, thebattery 12 may be replaced upon each water detection event. As discussedabove, the battery 12 may be modular with respect to a housing of thewater detection device 10 to facilitate replacement of the battery 12with a new battery 12 that may be dormant until exposed to water.

While a single water detection device 10 is shown in FIG. 1, it shouldbe noted that more than one of the water detection devices 10 may beused together (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight,nine, ten, or more of the water detection devices 10 may be connected tothe same electronic network 22 and/or electronic device 30). In suchembodiments, a location of each of the water detection devices 10 may berecorded to correspond to a device number of a corresponding waterdetection device 10. Such information may be recorded in a table forpresentation via a graphical user interface (GUI) (see e.g., FIG. 13) ofa software program and/or another suitable location (e.g., memoryassociated with the electronic network 22). To further assist the userto determine a location of one of the water detection devices 10, thelocation of the water detection devices 10 may be displayed in a GUIwith reference to a floor plan, map, or schematic representation of thestructure in which the water detection devices are deployed, as shown inFIG. 14.

As discussed above, the electronic device 30 may communicate with thewater detection device 10. In some embodiments, the electronic device 30may include software that may be utilized directly with the waterdetection device 10. For example, the electronic device 30 may includean application or computer program that may be configured to recognizeand/or interact with the water detection device.

In some embodiments, the electronic circuit 14 may be capable oftransmitting a wireless electronic signal for communication with theelectronic network 22 using one or more of a variety of wirelesscommunication techniques. For example, the electronic circuit 14 may beconfigured to wirelessly communicate with the electronic network 22using Wi-Fi, near field communication, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-wave, ISM,an embedded wireless module, or another suitable wireless communicationnetwork. Further, the electronic circuit 14 may be programmed to send amessage to an address via the electronic network, such as an IP address,URL, email address, telephone number, a dedicated monitoring station, orother type of electronic address known to those of skill in the art, andany combination of the same. The message that may be sent to the user isdescribed in detail herein with reference to FIGS. 10-14.

In some embodiments, the memory 16 of the water detection device 10 maybe capable of wireless communication 62 with an interrogator 60 (e.g.,the RF device) for inputting into the memory 16 information such as aphysical location of the water detection device 10. In some embodiments,the memory 16 may include a radio-frequency identification (RFID)circuit. RFID circuits may be passive, active, or battery-assistedpassive. As used herein, an active circuit includes an on-board batteryand periodically transmits an ID signal, a battery-assisted passivecircuit has a small battery on board (e.g., the battery 32) and isactivated when in the presence of an RFID reader such as theinterrogator 60, and a passive RFID circuit is powered by the radioenergy transmitted by the interrogator 60 alone. In some embodiments,the RFID circuit may be read-only, such that the memory 16 includes afactory-assigned serial number that is used as a key to a database(e.g., a database that includes location information of one or morewater detection devices 10). In other embodiments, the RFID circuit maybe read/write, where the water detection device 10 and physical locationinformation may be written into the memory 16 using the interrogator 60.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a bridge 100 for electronically coupling ahub 102 for the water detection device 10 to a remotely locatedmonitoring entity 104 through a suitable network such as the Internet106. In some embodiments, the hub 102 is positioned in a structure(e.g., a building or a residential home) that includes a plurality ofthe water detection sensors 10. Each of the water detection sensors 10may be configured to communicate with the hub 102 through a wirelessconnection, such as Wi-Fi, near field communication, Bluetooth, Zigbee,Z-wave, ISM, an embedded wireless module, or another suitable wirelesscommunication network. The hub 102 may continuously monitor the statusof each of the water detection sensors 10 and report the status to themonitoring entity 104. The hub 102 may have a display 108 to indicatethe status of the hub 102, such as one or more light emitting diodes(LEDs) (e.g., one LED may flash red to indicate that the hub 102 isworking properly, one LED to flash green when a script is scanning, andone LED to flash yellow when the hub 102 is posting).

The user of the water detection system 10 may then control and monitorthe system with the electronic device 30 (e.g., a smartphone, acomputer, a tablet, and/or another suitable electronic device coupled tothe hub 102, such as through a wireless connection). The monitoringentity 104 may include a firewall 112, a server 114, and a database 116for storing detection event reports. Other visual indicators 117 may beincluded such as electrically conductive wall paint that emits lightand/or changes color when one of the water detection sensors 10 isactivated. In still further embodiments, the hub 102 may be configuredto send a message (e.g., a text message) to the user via the electronicdevice 30. As discussed in detail below, the message may include aphotographic image of a location of the respective water detectiondevice 10 reporting the detection event. For example, when installingthe water detection devices 10, the user (or another installer) mayphotograph and store images of each water detection device 10 positionedin its respective location to provide a visual cue as to which waterdetection device 10 detects the detection event. Further, a location ofeach of the water detection sensors 10 may be identified by the userand/or otherwise stored in memory 118 of the hub 102 for later provisionupon detection of water (e.g., a threshold level of moisture).

In some embodiments, the monitoring entity 104 may be the interrogator60, which may be utilized to test a condition of the water detectiondevice 10. For example, the interrogator 60 (e.g., an RFID reader) maysupply electrical power to a test battery (e.g., an RFID passivecircuit) of the water detection device 10, which may then activate theelectronic circuit 14 and/or the memory 16, such that the electroniccircuit 14 and/or the memory 16 may communicate with the interrogator60. The communication between the electronic circuit 14 and/or thememory 16 and the interrogator 60 may be indicative of the condition ofthe water detection device 10. As discussed above, the electroniccircuit 14 may communicate with the network 22, the electronic device30, and/or the interrogator 60 intermittently before activation of thebattery 12 (e.g., when a test is activated or engaged). When the battery12 is in an active condition, the communications between the electroniccircuit 14 and the network 22, the electronic device 30, and/or theinterrogator 60 may become continuous (or appear substantiallycontinuous).

FIGS. 3-9 are perspective views of embodiments of a housing 150 of thewater detection device 10 and/or a component housing 152 that mayinclude the electronic circuit 14 and/or the memory 16 (e.g., acommunication beacon). The housing 150 may receive the component housing152, and include features that may couple the battery 12 to theelectronic circuit 14 and/or the memory 16. For example, FIG. 3 is aperspective view of an embodiment of the housing 150 for the waterdetection device 10 having a generally rectangular shape (e.g.,rectangular cross-section) with opposed sidewall s 154, opposed endwalls 156, a top wall 158 and a bottom wall 160 defining a chamber 162therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the top and bottom walls 158 and160 include a plurality of fluid passageways 164 (e.g., capillaries)that are configured to draw liquid into the chamber 162 throughcapillary action. In other embodiments, more or different walls mayinclude the fluid passageways 164 (e.g., capillaries). The fluidpassageways 164 are described in detail below with reference to FIG. 5.While the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3 shows the housing 150 havinga rectangular shape, it should be recognized that the housing 150 may beany suitable shape, such as cube-shaped or substantially spherical. Insome cases, the shape of each of the water detection devices 10 maydepend on a location in which a respective water detection device 10will be placed. For example, a water detection device 10 that ispositioned behind a wall may be generally rectangular, as shown in FIG.3, while a water detection device 10 positioned underneath a sink may becube-shaped, spherical, and/or another suitable shape. Further, a waterdetection device 10 disposed in a corner may be prismatic.

The water detection device 10 may include one or more members 165 ormechanisms for attaching the water detection device 10 to a structuresuch as a pipe, valve, wall, fixture, or other mounting component. Theone or more members 165 may enable the water detection device 10 to besecured in a specific location and detect water that may accumulate inthe specific location in a relatively short time period. In other words,the one or more members 165 may secure the water detection device 10 tothe mounting component and position the water detection device 10, suchthat the water detection device 10 may receive water when a leak oranother water exposure event first occurs. In some embodiments, themembers 165 are rounded and/or configured to conform to a mountingcomponent, which facilitates positioning in certain locations (e.g.,attaching the water detection device 10 to a low point of a drain pipe).

In some embodiments, a conductive material 166 may extend as a sheetalong the sidewalls 154 and is connected to the electronic circuit 14 ofthe water detection device 10. Such a configuration may enable theelectronic circuit 14 to be programmed from outside of the housing 150(e.g., information related to the message, desired address, devicenumber, and physical location information may be programmed into thememory 16). In other embodiments, the housing 150 may include pins asthe conductive material 166 that protrude from the sidewalls 154 toenable the electronic circuit 14 to be programmed without removing theelectronic circuit 14 and/or otherwise disassembling the water detectiondevice 10. For example, a seal (e.g., a silicone seal) may be formed atopenings in the housing 150 from which the pins protrude. In stillfurther embodiments, the conducting material 166 may not be included andthe electronic circuit 14 may be programmed before being inserted intothe housing. In some embodiments, the housing 150 may be labeled orinclude an indicator 168 (e.g., a QR code or an RFID circuit) on asurface 170 of the housing 150 to enable the identity of the housing 150to be determined by scanning the indicator. In other embodiments, theindicator 168 may be positioned on another suitable surface of thehousing 150. In still further embodiments, the indicator 168 may not beincluded. The indicator 168 may be detected by the interrogator 60,which may then communicate the identity of the housing 150 to theelectronic device 30, for example.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the housing 150 may bemodular in that the housing 150 has an opening 172 in a rear wall 174(or another wall in other embodiments) that is configured to receive thecomponent housing 152, which may include the electronic circuit 14(e.g., Bluetooth communication circuitry). In some embodiments, thecomponent housing 152 is configured to slide into the opening 172 of thehousing 150. Sliding the component housing 152 into the opening 172 mayreduce friction, torque, and/or other stress on leads and/or otherfeatures that may be included on or within the component housing 152.Further, sliding the component housing 152 into the opening 182 mayalign the component housing 152, such that a connection between thecomponent housing 152 and the battery 12 is facilitated. In otherembodiments, the opening 172 includes an interference fit that enablesthat component housing 152 to snap into the opening 172 and secure thecomponent housing 152 within the opening 172. In such embodiments, atool may be utilized to disconnect and/or remove the component housing152 from the opening 172.

In any case, the component housing 152 may be removed from the opening172 and used with another housing 150 after the housing 150 has beendamaged by use, for example. Also, different component housings 152 maybe used to provide varied functions, such that the component housing 152may be replaced with another component housing 152 that performs adesired function (e.g., smoke detection) and/or transfers signals viadifferent techniques (e.g., radio-frequency identification technology,Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, near field communication, Zigbee, or another suitablewireless communication technique). Additionally, the housing 150 mayinclude a second opening 176 (e.g., the chamber 162) that may beconfigured to receive the battery 12 and/or another component of thewater detection device 10. In some embodiments, the second opening 176may facilitate removal of the battery 12 from the housing 150. Forexample, the user may apply a force on the battery 12 through the secondopening 176 to direct the battery 12 out of the housing 150 via a thirdopening 178 (e.g., in a front wall 180), as shown in FIG. 4. The thirdopening 178 may be larger in size than the second opening 176, such thatthe battery 12 may not be removed from the housing 150 through thesecond opening 176. However, in other embodiments, the second opening176 and the third opening 178 may be approximately (e.g., within 5% orwithin 10%) the same size. As shown in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 3, the opening 172 and the second opening 176 may be isolated fromone another, such that water that enters the housing 150 via the secondopening 172 is blocked from contacting components in the opening 172. Inother embodiments, the opening 172 and the second opening 176 may not beisolated from one another, but the component housing 152 may include asubstantially water-tight seal (e.g., a silicone based seal) to blockwater from contacting the electronic circuit 14 and/or the memory 16.

As discussed above, to increase the shelf life of the battery 12, thehousing 150 may be coated with a water-soluble coating 182 to seal thechamber 162 from the external environment. When a sufficient amount ofwater contacts the coating 182, the coating may dissolve, therebyenabling water to enter the housing 150 through the fluid passageways164 and activate the battery 12. That is, the coating 182 may blockaccess to the fluid passageways 164 to limit potential for smallquantities of water (e.g., mere humidity) to activate the battery 12.Accordingly, the battery 12 may supply power to the electronic circuit14, which may in turn, send a message that advises a user about adetection event (e.g., a leak detection event). In some embodiments, thecoating 182 may be disposed between the fluid passageways 164, such thatwater dissolves the coating 182 before the water may enter into thehousing 150. Additionally or alternatively, the housing 150 may have amultiple-layer sidewall that includes a water porous material covered bythe water-soluble coating 182. The water-soluble coating 182 may beapplied to the substrate material by any suitable means such as dipping,spraying, brushing, 3D printing, or another suitable technique. In someembodiments, the water-soluble coating 182 may include sugar glass,water-soluble polymers (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone,sorbitol, etc.), a combination thereof, or any other suitable material.

In any case, the coating 182 may protect the battery 12 from exposure tohumidity and/or other contaminants. For example, humidity and/orcontaminants may degrade, damage, or cause improper activation of thebattery 12. Accordingly, the coating 182 may block humid air and/orcontaminants from entering the housing 150 before a sufficient amount ofwater is exposed to the water detection device 10 to dissolve orotherwise remove the coating 182. In some embodiments, a thickness ofthe coating 182 may be varied depending on a location or function of thewater detection device 10. For example, a thickness of the coating 182may be increased when the water detection device 10 is configured todetermine a flood event or when positioned in a humid climate anddecreased when the water detection device 10 is configured to detect aleak (e.g., less water may dissolve the coating 182).

In certain embodiments, the housing 150 may include a visual indicator184, such as a light emitting diode (LED), and/or an audio indicatorthat may alert a user of a detection event. Therefore, the user may bealerted by both the electronic device as well as the visual indicator184 and/or the audio indicator on the housing 150. Further still, thehousing 150 may include a level indicator 185 that may be utilized toenable the user to determine a severity of the detection event. Forinstance, the level indicator 185 may indicate how much water waspresent within the water detection device 10. In some embodiments, thelevel indicator 185 may include a water activated coating (e.g., paint)on an inner surface of the housing or another suitable device that maybe utilized to provide an indication of an amount of water that collectswithin the housing (e.g., a window that enables the user to view thechamber 162 of the housing 150.

Further, the housing 150 may include air pockets that may enable thewater detection device 10 to float or otherwise increase in buoyancywhen exposed to a level of water that exceeds a position of the airpockets within the housing 150 with respect to a height 186, a length188, and/or a width 190 of the housing 150, depending on orientation.The air pockets within the housing 150 may facilitate retrieval of thewater detection device 10 when a large amount of water is present (e.g.,a flood) because the water detection device 10 may be visible above asurface defined by the water. In some embodiments, the air pockets mayinclude sealed pouches of air. In other embodiments, the air pockets mayinclude compartments within the housing 150 that are filled with air andthen sealed using a sealing technique (e.g., welding, silicone basedseals, etc.).

The housing 150 of the water detection device 10 may also includecompression components 192 to enhance performance of the water detectiondevice 10. For example, the compression components 192 may be disposedin the second opening 176 (and/or the third opening 178) and may includea resilient material (e.g., a flexible material) that may providecompression against the battery 12 when the battery 12 is disposed inthe second opening 176 (and/or the third opening 178). In some cases,the battery 12 may expand when exposed to water, and thus, thecompression components 192 may be configured to enable the battery 12 toexpand within the second opening 176 (and/or the third opening 178)without applying a significant force against the housing 150 while alsoresisting the expansion and increasing battery efficiency. In someembodiments, the compression components 192 may include a material suchas polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), anothersuitable resilient material, or a combination thereof. In any event, thecompression components 192 may provide a tolerance between the battery12 and a wall 194 of the housing 150 to accommodate any expansion of thebattery 12. In some embodiments, the tolerance may be between 0.01millimeter (mm) and 1 mm, between 0.1 and 0.5 mm, between 0.2 and 0.4mm, or approximately (e.g., within 5% or within 10% of) 0.4 mm.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the housing 150that shows the third opening 178 as well as a fourth opening 210. Asdiscussed above, the third opening 178 may receive the battery 12, suchthat the battery 12 is inserted into and removed from the housing 150via the third opening 178. The fourth opening 210 may be configured toreceive an intermediate connector 212 that may be utilized to establishan electrical connection between the battery 12 and the electroniccircuit 14 and/or the memory 16. For example, the intermediate connector212 may include one or more contact points 214 (e.g., pins and/oranother electrically conductive member) that may establish an electricalpathway between the battery 12 and the electronic circuit 14 and/or thememory 16. The intermediate connector 212 may establish the electricalconnection between the battery 12 and the electronic circuit 14 and/orthe memory 16 to further isolate the electronic circuit 14 and/or thememory 16 from the chamber 162, and thus from water that may enter thehousing 150. For example, in some embodiments, the intermediateconnector 212 may be disposed in the fourth opening 210 after thebattery 12, the electronic circuit 14, and/or the memory 16 are disposedin the housing 150. In any event, the intermediate connector 212 mayfurther isolate the electronic circuit 14 and/or the memory 16 fromcontact with water. Additionally, the intermediate connector 212 mayfacilitate removal of the electronic circuit 14 and/or the memory 16from the housing 150 (e.g., the intermediate connector 212 may bedisconnected and the component housing 152 removed).

As discussed above, the housing 150 may include the fluid passageways164 (e.g., capillaries) that may direct water to flow into the housing150 toward the battery 12. For example, FIG. 5 is an expanded,perspective view of an embodiment of the fluid passageways 164 that maybe included on a surface 230 of the housing 150. The fluid passageways164 may include channels 232 that include openings 234. The openings 234may be disposed above the battery 12, such that water flowing throughthe channels 232 and into the openings 234 may contact the battery 12.In some embodiments, water may be directed through the passageways 164into the housing 150 and toward the battery 12 through adhesion (e.g.,attraction of water molecules to the surface 230, the fluid passageways164, and/or ambient air), cohesion (e.g., attraction of water moleculesto one another), and/or surface tension (e.g., ability of the watermolecules to form a film or droplets due to the cohesion forces beingstronger than the adhesion forces). The forces of adhesion, cohesion,and/or surface tension may enable water to flow through the channels 232of the passageways 164 and ultimately drop into the housing 150 throughthe openings 234.

In some embodiments, the passageways 164 may enable a relatively smallamount of water coming into contact with the housing 150 to activate thebattery 12 because substantially all (e.g., above 90%, above 95%, orabove 98%) water that contacts the housing 150 may be directed into theopenings 234 via the channels 232 to ultimately contact the battery 12.Thus, the water detection device 10 may be configured to detect leaksthat are relatively minor (e.g., produce a low flow rate of water). Asdiscussed above, in some embodiments, the housing 150 may include thecoating 182 that may block contaminants and/or humidity from enteringthe housing 150. However, when a certain amount of water contacts thehousing 150, the coating 182 may dissolve, thereby enabling the water toenter the housing 150 through the openings 234 and ultimately contactthe battery 12.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, the passageways 164may be spaced a distance 236 from one another. In some embodiments, thedistance 236 may be uniform throughout the length 188 of the housing150. In other embodiments, the distances 236 between each of thepassageways 164 may be non-uniform. The distance 236 between each of thepassageways 164 may be between 0.01 centimeters (cm) and 1 cm, between0.05 cm and 0.75 cm, between 0.1 cm and 0.6 cm, or between 0.3 cm and0.5 cm. In any event, the distance 236 may enable the water to bedirected from the surface 230 of the housing 150 into the housing 150via the passageways 164 (e.g., via capillary action). While theillustrated embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 shows the passageways 164 asbeing positioned on a top 238 and a bottom 240 of the housing 150, inother embodiments, the passageways 164 may be positioned on anothersuitable surface of the housing or at least a portion of all externalsurfaces. In any case, the housing 150 may be mounted, such that thepassageways 164 may be exposed to water relatively early in the event ofa leak and/or detection event, such that the water may activate thebattery 12 as quickly as possible when a detection event occurs.

FIGS. 6-9 show embodiments of the component housing 152 that may be usedto receive the electronic circuit 14 and/or the memory 16. As shown inthe illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the component housing 152 whichincludes a socket 260 for electrically coupling the electronic circuit14 to the battery 12. For example, the socket 260 may be an opening thatis configured to receive the intermediate connector 212 to provide theelectrical pathway between the battery 12 and the electronic circuit 14and/or the memory 16 while also further isolating the electronic circuit14 and/or the memory from the chamber 162 in which water may enter thehousing 150. Further, the component housing 152 may include an opening262 that may enable a pair of antennae 266 of a signal enhancing module267 received in the opening 262 to protrude from the component housing152. In some embodiments, the antennae 266 may be coupled to theelectronic circuit 14 and may be configured to wirelessly communicatewith the electronic device 30, the hub 102, and/or another suitabledevice. In other embodiments, the opening 262 may be configured toreceive physical connectors that are coupled to the electronic circuit14, such that the electronic circuit 14 may be electrically coupled tothe electronic device 30, the hub 102, and/or another suitable device bya hardwire connection.

Additionally, the component housing 152 may include a recess 268 thatmay be configured to receive the electronic circuit 14 and/or the memory16. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit 14 and/or the memory 16may be disposed in the recess 268 and the recess 268 may then be sealed(e.g., via a silicone seal), such that water and/or other contaminantsare blocked from contacting the electronic circuit 14 and/or the memory16. Further, the intermediate connector 212 may be sealed in the socket260 (e.g., a silicone seal) and/or the antennae 266 may be sealed in theopening 262 (e.g., a silicone seal) to enhance the seal of the componenthousing 152 and block water and/or other contaminants from contactingthe electronic circuit 14 and/or the memory 16.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the component housing152 may include a cross-sectional shape (e.g., when taken along a plane270) that substantially conforms to a shape of the opening 172 of thehousing 150 of the water detection device 10. Accordingly, in someembodiments, the component housing 152 may be disposed in the opening172 of the housing 150, and then sealed to block water and othercontaminants from entering a chamber 272 formed by the opening 172 (see,e.g., FIG. 3). Further, the shape may establish a poka-yoke assemblybetween the opening 172 and the housing 152.

In any case, the component housing 152 may be removed from the housing150, such that the water detection device 10 is modular. In some cases,it may be desirable to utilize different wireless communicationtechniques to provide information from the water detection device 10 tothe electronic device 30, or vice versa. Accordingly, the componenthousing 152 may be removed and replaced with another component housing152 that includes an electronic circuit 14 configured to utilize thedesired wireless communication technique. In certain embodiments, thecomponent housing 152 may be removed from the housing 150 to program theelectronic circuit 14. While the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6 showsthe component housing 152 having the antennae 266, in other embodiments,the electronic circuit 14 may not include the antennae 266 and/orphysical connectors that extend through the opening 262, but theelectronic circuit 14 may still be programmed without being removed fromthe housing 150 (e.g., via the conductive strip 166). In still furtherembodiments, the component housing 152 may be removed to program theelectronic circuit 14. Additionally, the component housing 152 may beremoved from the housing 150 in order to replace the component housing152 with another component housing 152 that includes an electroniccircuit 14 that may be configured to perform another function other thanwater detection (e.g., gas detection, smoke detection, acetonedetection, and/or another suitable function). Thus, the componenthousing 152 that may be disposed in the housing 150 may be chosen basedon the desired function that is to be performed. The housing 150 maythen be placed in a suitable location to perform the desired function(e.g., water detection).

Additionally, the component housing 152 may include an indicator 274(e.g., a QR code) on an outer surface 276 of the component housing 152.The indicator 274 may associate the component housing 152 with theelectronic circuit 14, which may be configured to perform predeterminedfunctions (e.g., the indicator 274 may be coupled to the electroniccircuit 14). In some embodiments, the indicator 274 may be detected(e.g., scanned) by the interrogator 60. Accordingly, the indicator 274may provide information related to the electronic circuit 14 (e.g., acondition, a status, a function in which the electronic circuitperforms, or a combination thereof) to the interrogator 60. Theinterrogator 60 may then communicate information related to theelectronic circuit 14 and/or the component housing 152 to the electronicdevice 30, for example. Further, the electronic device 30 may beconfigured to associate information related to the housing 150 with theinformation related to the electronic circuit 14 and/or the componenthousing 152. For example, the housing 150 may be associated with aposition within a structure (e.g., a home or other building), such thatthe function of the electronic circuit 14 and/or other information ofthe electronic circuit 14 may be linked to the location of the housing150.

In some embodiments, the component housing 152 may include componentsthat may enable the condition of the electronic circuit 14 to be testedwithout removing the component housing 152 from the housing 150. Forexample, the component housing 152 may include the additional battery 32(not shown) that may be coupled to the electronic circuit 14 andconfigured to provide power to the electronic circuit 14 upon activationof a test. Therefore, the electronic circuit 14 may communicate with thenetwork 22, the electronic device 30, and/or the interrogatorintermittently (e.g., when a test is activated and/or engaged to providepower to the electronic circuit). Additionally or alternatively, theadditional battery 32 may constantly supply power to the electroniccircuit 14, such that the electronic circuit 14 may continuously sendand receive signals to and from the electronic device (e.g., directlyand/or through the interrogator 60). In certain embodiments, a test maybe activated using the interrogator 60, which may communicate with theindicator 274 of the component housing 152 and/or the electronic circuit14 directly. In other embodiments, the component housing 152 may notinclude the additional battery. In such embodiments, power may besupplied to the electronic circuit 14 via the interrogator 60, which maytransfer energy (e.g., electric voltage) to the indicator 274. Theindicator 274 may be electrically coupled to the electronic circuit 14,such that energy may be provided to the electronic circuit 14 to engagethe test. In still further embodiments, the component housing 152 may beremoved from the housing 150 to perform a test. In such embodiments, theelectronic circuit 14 may be physically coupled to a test device (e.g.,a computer, a tablet, a mobile phone, or another suitable device), whichmay supply power and activate the test of the electronic circuit 14.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the component housing 152 showing thesocket 260 that may receive the intermediate connector 212. When thecomponent housing 152 is disposed in the opening 172, the socket 260 mayalign with the fourth opening 210. Therefore, the intermediate connector212 may extend from the fourth opening 210 into the socket 260 to coupleto the electronic circuit 14 and/or the memory 16. As discussed above,the intermediate connector 212 may also couple to the battery 12,thereby establishing the electrical pathway between the battery 12 andthe electronic circuit 14 and/or the memory 16 as well as furtherisolate the electronic circuit 14 and/or the memory from the chamber 162in which water may contact the battery 12. As shown in the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 7, the socket 260 may be offset from the opening 262with respect to a lateral axis 278 extending parallel to a height 280 ofthe component housing 152. However, in other embodiments, the opening262 and the socket 260 may be substantially coaxial (e.g., aligned alongthe lateral axis 278) to facilitate manufacturing of the componenthousing 152 (e.g., the housing 152 may be aligned with a drilling deviceone time to form both the opening 262 and the socket 260).

As discussed above, the component housing 152 is modular with respect tothe water detection device 10 and the housing 150. Therefore, thecomponent housing 152 may include features that may facilitate insertionand/or removal of the component housing 152 from the opening 172. Forexample, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the component housing 152illustrating a handle 300 that may be utilized to insert and/or removethe component housing 152 from the opening 172. As shown in theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 8, the handle 300 may extend from acorner 302 of the component housing 152 to provide a structure that maybe easily gripped so that the component housing 152 may be pushed and/orpulled from the opening 172. Additionally, when the component housing152 is disposed within the opening 172 of the housing 150, the handle300 may extend from a corner 304 (see, e.g., FIG. 3) of the housing 150,such that the handle 300 may still be gripped to facilitate removal ofthe component housing 152 from the opening 172. In some embodiments, thehandle 300 may extend a distance 306 from the corner 302 (and/or thecorner 304). The distance 306 may be between 0.01 centimeters (cm) and10 cm, between 0.5 cm and 5 cm, or between 1 cm and 3 cm.

Further, FIG. 9 is a plan view of the component housing 152 illustratinga shape of the component housing 152 and the handle 300. For example, asshown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, the handle 300 includes acurved shape 320. In other words, the distance 306 in which the handle300 extends from the corner 302 is greatest at a middle portion 322 ofthe corner 302 and is the smallest at ends 324 of the corner 302. Inother embodiments, the handle 300 may include another suitableconfiguration, such as a straight line that includes a uniform distance306 from the corner 302 between the ends 324 of the corner 302 (e.g., auniform distance 306 along an entire length of the corner 302). In anycase, the component housing 152 is configured to be received within theopening 172 of the housing 150, thereby securing the electronic circuit14 and/or the memory 16 within the housing 150 as well as placing theelectronic circuit 14 and/or the memory 16 in electrical communicationwith the battery 12.

As discussed above, the water detection device 10 may be configured tocommunicate with the electronic device 30 (e.g., via the electroniccircuit) to provide information related to the water detection device 10and/or to alert a user of a detection event. While the electronic device30 may be any suitable electronic device, such as a computer, a tablet,a mobile phone, another portable electronic device, a server, anotherelectronic device, or a combination thereof, the following descriptionillustrates the electronic device 30 as a mobile phone. Additionally,the electronic device 30 may include software and/or programming thatfacilitates communication between the electronic device 30 and the waterdetection device 10. As a non-limiting example, the electronic device 30may include an application (e.g., a phone app) that may be configured tocommunicate with, program, and/or perform other functions related to thewater detection device 10. The user may then open the application and/orsoftware when it is desired to perform a task, such as linking a newwater detection device 10 to the user's account. Additionally, theapplication and/or software may provide alerts to the electronic device30 to inform the user when a detection event occurs. FIGS. 10-14illustrate schematic embodiments of user interfaces (e.g., displays)that the application and/or software may display to the user to interactand/or communicate with the water detection device 10.

FIG. 10 is a schematic of an embodiment of a first display 350 that maybe displayed on the electronic device 30 (e.g., via the applicationand/or software). As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10, thefirst display 350 may prompt the user to position a frame 352 over theindicator 274 of the component housing 152 and/or the indicator 168 ofthe housing 150. More specifically, this may include positioning animage of the indicator 168 and/or the indicator 274 captured by a cameraof the electronic device 30 within the frame 352 graphically presentedin the first display 350. In some embodiments, the software and/or theapplication may automatically recognize the indicator 274 and/or theindicator 168 when the indicator 274 and/or the indicator 168 arepositioned within the frame 352. In other embodiments, the user may befurther prompted to take a picture of the indicator 274 and/or theindicator 168 for the software and/or application to recognize theindicator 274 and/or the indicator 168. For example, the user may engagea button 354 to activate image capture by a camera of the electronicdevice 30 and take a picture of the indicator 274 and/or the indicator168.

In any case, the software and/or application may associate theelectronic circuit 14 with the user's account (e.g., the user logs intothe software before seeing the first display 350). Additionally, thesoftware and/or application may connect the electronic circuit 14 to theelectronic device 30 to enable the electronic circuit 14 to communicatewith the electronic device 30 and provide a status and/or condition ofthe water detection device 10. For example, the electronic circuit 14may be preprogrammed to connect to the network 22 (e.g., the Internet),such that the electronic circuit 14 may communicate with the electronicdevice 30 via the network 22. Additionally or alternatively, thesoftware and/or application may enable the user to connect theelectronic circuit 14 to the network 22. In some embodiments, the usermay be able to scan more than one of the indicators 274 and/or theindicators 168 of multiple water detection devices 10 before thesoftware and/or application proceeds to a second display 370 (see FIG.11).

When the software and/or application recognizes the indicator 274 and/orthe indicator 168 (e.g., pairs the indicator 274 and/or the indicator168 with the electronic device 30), the software and/or application mayprompt the user to provide a location of the water detection device 10.For example, FIG. 11 is a schematic of an embodiment of the seconddisplay 370 notifying the user that the indicator 274 and/or theindicator 168 has been recognized and paired with the electronic device30. The second display 370 may also include an input box 372 thatenables the user to input a location or position of the water detectiondevice 10. In some embodiments, the input box 372 may receive an inputfrom the user via a keyboard of the electronic device 30 that inputstext related to the position of the water detection device 10.Additionally or alternatively, the input box 372 may receive the inputusing another suitable technique (e.g., a voice-recognition device).

Further, the second display 370 may provide the user with an option totake a picture of the water detection device 10 in the location and/or apicture of the location where the water detection device 10 will bepositioned. For example, the user may activate a button 374 if the userdecides to take a picture of the location (e.g., under a kitchen sink)in which the water detection device 10 will be positioned. Further, theuser may take a picture of the location with the water detection device10 hidden from view (e.g., behind a door, cabinet, or wall) and have theoption to select an indicator (e.g., an icon) to position on the imageto designate the actual position of the water detection device 10.Should the user select to take the picture, the software and/or theapplication may provide the user with the location and/or a picture ofthe location of the water detection device 10 when a detection eventoccurs. However, the user may also select to activate a second button376 if the user would like to skip taking a picture of the location ofthe water detection device 10 and instead use only the input from theinput box 372 to determine the location of the water detection device 10when the detection event occurs.

In some embodiments, the user may change the location of the waterdetection device 10 by directing the software and/or application to thesecond display 370 (e.g., by activating a particular water detectiondevice 10 in a summary list, such as shown in FIG. 13 discussed below).Further, the software and/or application may store the location of thewater detection device 10, which may be utilized to track previousdetection events at a particular location. Additionally, the softwareand/or application may be configured to automatically establish aninsurance claim upon the occurrence of a detection event (e.g., thesoftware and/or application may be linked to the user's insurance).

The software and/or the application may provide the user with a messageand/or alert when a detection event occurs. For example, FIG. 12 is aschematic of a third display 400 that may enable the user to input apersonalized message that may be sent to the user when a detection eventoccurs. For example, the third display 400 may include a first input box402 that may enable the user to create a personalized message that maybe sent to the user upon a detection event. As discussed above, theinput box 402 may receive the message from the user via a keyboard ofthe electronic device 30 that inputs text. Additionally oralternatively, the input box 402 may receive the input using anothersuitable technique (e.g., a voice-recognition device). For example, themessage may be in the form of a voice message recorded by the user,electronically synthesized, or generated using another suitable method.In other embodiments, the input box 402 may be a pull-down box thatallows the user to select a predetermined message that is part of thesoftware and/or the application.

Further, the third display 400 may include one or more second inputboxes 404 for the user to enter a phone number 406, an email address408, an IP address, a URL, and/or other suitable information related towhere the message is to be sent. In some embodiments, the user may inputmultiple addresses into each of the one or more second input boxes 404.For example, the user may desire for the message to be sent to theelectronic device 30 of the user as well as to an electronic device of aneighbor, family member, coworker, or another person. The messageinformation and address information may be transmitted to the electroniccircuit 14 through a wireless connection such as radio-frequencyidentification technology, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, near field communication,Zigbee, or another suitable wireless communication technique. When adetection event occurs, the electronic circuit 14 may then send themessage through the network 22 (e.g., the Internet) to the address oraddresses specified in the one or more input boxes 404. Thus, the usercan program the electronic circuit 14 to send a custom message that mayreport a detection event by the water detection device 10 (e.g., a leakdetection event) as well as one or more electronic addresses where themessage is sent. In some embodiments, text messages may be sent in morethan one form, such as short message service (SMS), multi-media messages(MMS), email, or another suitable electronic messaging system.

In some embodiments, a fourth display 420 may be configured to allowentries of a unique number corresponding to a respective water detectiondevice 10, such as a device number 424 that corresponds to a physicallocation 426 of the respective water detection device 10. For example,FIG. 13 is a schematic of an embodiment of the fourth display 420 havinginformation relating to one or more water detection devices 10 in atable 428. As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the table 428 maydisplay to the user the locations 426 of the water detection devices 10as well as the corresponding unique device number 424. Therefore, theuser may direct the software and/or application to the fourth display420 to view a simple, concise list of each of the water detectiondevices 10 and their corresponding location 426. In some embodiments,the device number 424 and physical location 426 information may beincorporated into the message sent to the user by the electronic circuit14 when a detection event occurs (e.g., a leak detection event).Additionally, the user may be able to select one of the water detectiondevices 10 displayed in the table 428 and retrieve a status of therespective water detection device 10 and/or to change the location ofthe respective water detection device 10. In some embodiments, the usermay also activate a test to determine the condition of the respectivewater detection device 10.

Further still, the user may be able to view a fifth display 450, whichmay illustrate a position of each of the water detection devices 10 on amap or floor plan 452. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG.14, one of the water detection devices 10 may be disposed under a firstfloor bathroom sink 454 and another one of the water detection devices10 may be disposed under a kitchen sink 456. Each of the water detectiondevices 10 may be represented on the map or floor plan 452 by arespective icon 458 positioned near an icon representing the physicalobject near where the sensor is located (e.g., a sink, toilet, shower,bath, hot tub, water heater, boiler, appliances).

In some embodiments, the user may be able to develop the map or floorplan 452 by sketching various lines 460 designating walls of a structure462 in which the one or more water detection devices 10 may be disposed.The user may also select predetermined icons 464 that designate sinks,pipes, washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, bathtubs, toilets,showers, boilers, refrigerators, hot tubs, and/or other appliances,devices, and structures that may utilize or dispense water. The user maythen drag and drop such predetermined icons 464 in their respectivepositions within the structure 462. For example, the predetermined icons464 may include dashed lines before the user places the predeterminedicons 464 in the desired position within the map or floor plan 452.Finally, the user may drag and drop the respective icons 458 for thewater detection devices 10 in their respective positions within thestructure and relative to the various appliances, devices, andstructures designated by the icons 464. In some embodiments, the fifthdisplay 450 may include multiple pages, where each page designates afloor, room, and/or hallway of the structure 462. In some embodiments,the user may select a respective water detection device 10 and obtaininformation (e.g., a status and/or a condition) related to therespective water detection device 10. As discussed above, the user mayactivate a test to determine the condition of the water detection device10 upon selecting the respective water detection device 10 from the mapor floor plan 452.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 500 for determininga detection event and reporting the event to the user. At block 502, thewater detection device 10 having the battery 12 and the electroniccircuit 14 may be provided. At block 504, the user may dispose the waterdetection device 10 in a predetermined position and link the waterdetection device 10 (as well as corresponding information related to thewater detection device 10) with the electronic device 10 (e.g., via thesoftware and/or the application). At block 506, water may come intocontact with the water detection device 10, such that the battery 12 isactivated and the water detection device establishes a detection event.At block 508, the detection event may be reported to the designatedrecipient (e.g., the electronic device 30 and/or the addresses inputinto the one or more second input boxes 404). The software and/or theapplication may then send the message to the designated recipient (e.g.,the electronic device and/or the one or more addresses input into theone or more second input boxes 404).

While only certain features of the disclosure have been illustrated anddescribed herein, many modifications and changes will occur to thoseskilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appendedclaims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fallwithin the true spirit of the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A water detection device, comprising: awater-activated battery configured to supply an electrical voltage inresponse to contact with water; and an electronic circuit configured toreceive and be powered by the electrical voltage from thewater-activated battery, wherein the electronic circuit is configured tocommunicate with an external, electronic device via a Bluetoothconnection when powered by the electrical voltage; wherein the external,electronic device comprises a hub; wherein the hub comprises a visualindicator configured to indicate that the water-activated battery is inan active condition and that a detection event occurred.
 2. The waterdetection device of claim 1, wherein the hub comprises a displayconfigured to indicate a status of the hub.
 3. The water detectiondevice of claim 1, wherein the hub is configured to send an alert to anadditional external, electronic device when the detection event occurs.4. The water detection device of claim 1, comprising a local monitorcoupled to the hub via a network, wherein the local monitor isconfigured to store detection event reports sent from the electroniccircuit to the hub.
 5. The water detection device of claim 1, comprisingmemory electrically coupled to the electronic circuit and configured tostore instructions executed by the electronic circuit.
 6. The waterdetection device of claim 5, comprising an interrogator configured toelectrically communicate with the memory.
 7. The water detection deviceof claim 6, comprising an indicator configured to communicate a signalto the interrogator indicative of an identity of the water detectiondevice.
 8. A water detection and notification device, comprising: ahousing; a water-activated power source disposed within the housing,wherein the water-activated power source is configured to activate uponexposure to water; an electronic circuit connected to thewater-activated power source and configured to transmit an electricalsignal in response to activation of the water-activated power source toindicate a water leak; and an additional power source electricallycoupled to the electronic circuit and configured to provide electricalvoltage to the electronic circuit in response to activation of theadditional power source for periodic testing of the electronic circuit.9. The water detection and notification device of claim 8, wherein theadditional power source comprises an interrogator.
 10. The waterdetection and notification device of claim 9, wherein the interrogatoris configured to send intermittent communications to the electroniccircuit when the water-activated power source is in an inactive state.11. The water detection and notification device of claim 10, wherein theelectronic circuit is configured to provide a continuous electricalsignal to an external, electronic device in response to activation ofthe water-activated power source.
 12. The water detection andnotification device of claim 8, wherein the electronic circuit isdisposed within a component housing configured to be disposed in anopening of the housing, wherein the component housing is modular withrespect to the housing, and wherein the electronic circuit is removablyconnected to the water-activated power source.
 13. The water detectionand notification device of claim 8, comprising an antennae configured tobe electrically coupled to the electronic circuit, wherein the antennaeis configured to wirelessly communicate with an external, electronicdevice.
 14. The water detection and notification device of claim 8,wherein the electronic device is configured to wirelessly communicatewith an external, electronic device via a plurality of wirelesscommunication techniques.
 15. The water detection and notificationdevice of claim 14, wherein the plurality of wireless communicationtechniques comprises two or more of Wi-Fi, near field communication,Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-wave, ISM, and an embedded wireless module.
 16. Awater detection device, comprising: a water-activated power sourceconfigured to activate upon exposure to water; an electronic circuitconnected to the water-activated power source, wherein the electroniccircuit is configured to transmit an electrical signal via a Bluetoothconnection to an external, electronic device in response to activationof the water-activated power source; and an additional power sourceelectrically coupled to the electronic circuit and configured to provideelectrical voltage to the electronic circuit for periodic testing of theelectronic circuit.
 17. The water detection device of claim 16, whereinthe additional power source is configured to send intermittentcommunications to the electronic circuit when the water-activated powersource is in an inactive state.
 18. The water detection device of claim16, wherein the electronic circuit is configured to provide a continuouselectrical signal to the external, electronic device in response toactivation of the water-activated power source.